Q&A - part 2

Q: What kind of gold would you use to imitate shell gold?

A: I can recommend mixing 2 gold together to get nice coverage. You can purchase both from Paper and Ink Arts. (www.paperinkarts.com)

Actually go here: http://www.paperinkarts.com/shop.html
and search for "gold" then buy:

1) Schmincke gold watercolor - (FULPAN) for $13.25 (first item on the page)

2) Sumi color in round ceramic dish - get the "light gold" for $13.50 (7th item on the page)

It's expensive upfront, but it lasts a while. I have had both of these for about 3-4 years. You mix clean water with ox gall and use that to wet both golds. First take some of the sumi gold and put into into a clean palate. The sumi is powered gold suspended in a medium...it separates very easily and you may want to mix it with some gum arabic to keep it more consistent (flow better with the other paint).

Then take some of the other gold using the water/ox gall mixture and mix that gold into the palate with the sumi gold. Mix until the two are about 50/50. Then paint thin layers on your letter. You have to let each layer dry before putting on the next layer. You will probably need to lay down 2-3 layers to get good coverage.

Any questions, let me know.

Q&A - part 1

I've been having a series of correspondences and thought the answers may be of interest to others...I will be posting various subjects they come up.

I hope you find the information helpful...and please let me know if you have any questions.

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Q: What tools would be helpful for a new scribe?

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A:

Required Materials:

Paper: A good paper to use for award documents or "scrolls" is cotton rag Bristol Board in vellum weight and smooth finish (or hot press aka plate finish). This is the most standard acceptable paper choice, since it is affordable, archival and easily found in art stores.

Paint: gouache - or opaque watercolors...watercolors aren't as vibrant. Technique is very similar to watercolors. You can purchase a decent "set" of paints from most art stores by Windsor Newton.

Paint brushes: round watercolor brushes in sizes 2, 1, 0, and 00

Knead able eraser (gray)

White rubber eraser

Pencils

Ruler


Optional materials:

Ox Gall: helps the paint flow

Gold watercolor: I like Schminkie's brand. You would use this in place of gilding, especially for beginners.